American Energy Solutions Helps Johns Manville Build Financial Value and Protect the Planet

RICHMOND, Ind., Aug. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- American Energy Solutions, a leader in delivering comprehensive energy management strategies, announced today that it has completed a sustainability project at the Johns Manville plant in Richmond, Ind., that will reduce the manufacturer's indirect annual CO₂ emissions by more than 4 million pounds a year.

The project, which reinforces American Energy Solutions' dedication to helping commercial, industrial, and institutional customers streamline operations and manage energy-related costs, has allowed the Berkshire Hathaway company to cut its yearly energy consumption in lighting by approximately 80 percent – or 2.7 million kilowatt hours. 

It included a lighting retrofit in four key areas of the facility – the production and manufacturing space, warehouse, office area, and building exterior.  American Energy Solutions replaced all outdated systems with custom, high-efficiency fluorescent fixtures, many of which are now equipped with individual sensing controls to turn lights off when spaces are unoccupied.  

"We're proud to work with our customers – particularly an industry leader like Johns Manville – in their efforts to drive energy-saving initiatives," said Shawn Rash, President of American Energy Solutions.  "Protecting the environment is an important priority for us, and this retrofit is a direct reflection of the critical role sustainable practices play in building efficient and effective energy management strategies." 

Zane Carpenter, Manager of Energy Engineering at Johns Manville, said the project is a good example of the company's commitment to sustainability.

"This retrofit project provides a reduction in energy usage that helps the utility curtail the need to add capacity to the grid. It helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions derived from electricity production. It helps the community by injecting money into the economy and putting people to work, including the lighting designers, manufacturers, and local contractors. And it helps the business maintain a healthy bottom line by reducing overall operating costs. It's really a win for the company, the community, the utility, and the environment."

In addition to the annual savings and reduction in consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, the new lighting system qualifies Johns Manville for Federal tax incentives through the Energy Policy Act and a $68,554 rebate from the Indiana Municipal Power Agency – the largest rebate presented to date by the agency for implementing an energy savings project and reducing consumption.

As part of the retrofit, all high-bay fixtures were replaced with 4-lamp T5HO linear fluorescent lights equipped with in-line quick connect devices that allow for ease of maintenance in the future.  All of the systems, excluding those located in areas critical to production and manufacturing, were equipped with individual occupancy sensing controls to turn the fixtures off when the space is not occupied. 

In areas of abundant natural lighting, a combination of ambient and occupancy sensor controls was applied to turn primary fixtures off when natural light is present or no occupancy is detected, while companion lamps remain lit. 

In the warehouse and office area, all T-12 lamp and ballast systems were replaced or converted to T-8 lamps and electronic ballasts.  Wall switch-mounted occupancy controls were also installed in select private offices, and incandescent exit signs were replaced with new LED signs.

About Johns Manville
Johns Manville, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is a leading manufacturer and marketer of premium-quality products for building insulation, mechanical insulation, commercial roofing, and roof insulation, as well as fibers and nonwovens for commercial, industrial, and residential applications. JM serves markets that include aerospace, automotive and transportation, air handling, appliance, HVAC, pipe and equipment, filtration, waterproofing, building, flooring, interiors and wind energy. In business since 1858, the Denver-based company has annual sales of approximately $2.5 billion and holds leadership positions in all of the key markets that it serves. JM employs approximately 7,000 people and operates 45 manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe, and China. Additional information can be found at www.jm.com.

About American Energy Solutions
American Energy Solutions is a leader in delivering comprehensive energy management strategies that integrate greenhouse gas and carbon emission programs, energy efficiency and conservation solutions, and creative procurement alternatives.  The company regularly monitors changes in natural gas, electricity, and carbon credit markets to identify energy savings opportunities, develop and implement customized solutions, and conduct ongoing management of energy-related expenses.  For more information, please visit www.americanenergy.com.

SOURCE American Energy Solutions